Quick answer: Benidorm is one of the best places to dive on Spain's Mediterranean coast, because Benidorm Island, Mitjana Island and the Serra Gelada cliffs are all protected inside a natural park. A beginner's try dive (bautismo) costs from about €79 for a shore or boat session, PADI or SSI Open Water courses run from about €450, and a guided snorkel starts at about €35. Several dive centres in Benidorm and neighbouring l'Alfàs del Pi run trips all year.
Where you dive
The Serra Gelada Natural Park covers the cliffs between Benidorm and Altea and the sea around them, and its seabed is protected. The regional tourist board says the park's underwater landscape is recognised among the best for diving in Spain (Comunitat Valenciana).
| Site | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Benidorm Island: La Llosa, North Face, Embarcadero | Try dives and qualified divers | Reached by boat, sheltered sides depending on wind |
| Mitjana Island | Qualified divers | Small island near Altea, depths of about 30 m |
| Serra Gelada cliffs | Shore and boat dives, snorkelling | Rocky walls and sea grass at the foot of the cliffs |
Sources: Diving Stones on Yumping, Nisos Diving on CheckYeti.
Dive centres choose each day's site to suit the wind and sea, so the plan may change on the morning.
Prices
| Activity | Price from |
|---|---|
| Guided snorkel in Serra Gelada, 1 hour | €35 |
| Try dive in Serra Gelada, about 3 hours | €79 |
| Try dive from a boat at Benidorm Island, about 4 hours | €95 |
| Two try dives in Serra Gelada, 6 hours | €121 |
| Two-day Scuba Diver course | €285 |
| Open Water Diver course | €450–€460 |
| Advanced Open Water course | €360 |
Lowest prices listed on Yumping in October 2026. Check what is included: equipment, boat fee and insurance vary by centre.
Dive centres
Nisos Diving Benidorm: an SSI dive centre diving Benidorm Island, Mitjana and Serra Gelada. Dives last up to about 60 minutes.
Diving Stones: runs boat try dives at Benidorm Island and courses in Serra Gelada, and offers guided dives with tank and weights for qualified divers.
Centres in l'Alfàs del Pi (Albir): on the far side of Serra Gelada, with try dives and snorkelling in the park.
Snorkelling without a tour
You can snorkel from the island boat: crossings take about 20 minutes and you can return on any later boat (see our Benidorm Island guide). The rocky coves at the north end of town, Tío Ximo and Almadrava, are also good for snorkelling. Respect the beach rules and stay inside swimming areas where boats operate.
When to dive
You can dive all year. Water is warmest from July to October; check our sea temperature page for today's reading. In winter you will need a thicker wetsuit, but visibility is often good and sites are quieter.
Before you go
Bring your certification card and logbook if you are qualified.
Do not fly within 24 hours of diving; plan dives early in your holiday.
Tell the centre about any medical conditions; you may need a medical form.
Scuba diving in Benidorm: FAQs
Can you scuba dive in Benidorm? Yes. Dive centres run try dives, courses and guided dives around Benidorm Island and Serra Gelada.
How much is a try dive in Benidorm? From about €79 for a shore try dive and about €95 from a boat.
Do I need a qualification? Not for a try dive with an instructor. For guided dives you need a recognised certification.
Is there good snorkelling in Benidorm? Yes, around Benidorm Island, at the northern coves and along Serra Gelada.
Can you dive in Benidorm in winter? Yes. Centres run all year, weather permitting.